The advent of time-shared computer systems has created a need for a flexible and relatively low-cost communication terminal for remote computer access. Most time-shared systems now use mechanical teletypewriters which are slow and unable to present graphic displays--a serious limitation in many sophisticated computer applications. The best candidate for a teletypewriter replacement appears to be a CRT console with an alphanumeric keyboard input which can connect as a 'stand alone' unit to a standard telephone line. The unit uses a direct-view storage tube (DVST) for a display screen and contains a vector generator and a symbol generator for the full ASCII symbol set. It can connect to a central computer via a 1200-2400 baud dataphone line. A manually- controlled electronic cursor for graphical input to the computer can also be added.
